Activities for Families in Spring and Summer

There’s no better place than Boise during spring and summer months. The city comes alive with flowering trees, blooming foothills and events, activities and adventure around every corner. No doubt, your kids have been cooped up all season and are ready to get outside. Good thing, because Boise is the perfect solution to cabin fever. Come explore the City of Trees. Then come back and explore some more.

Here are some fun things to do with kids in spring:

Wahooz Family Fun Zone & Roaring Springs Water Park

Inside Wahooz you’ll find an 80-game arcade with a state-of-the-art virtual reality ride, as well as laser tag, bumper cars, bowling, a ropes course, climbing walls and more. Mini golf, bumper boats, batting cages and go-karts are outside.

The Northwest’s largest water park, Roaring Springs, is right next door. It has more than 20 water attractions, including a wave pool, a large water playground for kids and family raft rides. The park was recently ranked the 8th best waterpark in the nation by Tripadvisor and is a great family activity during the summer.

Float the Boise River

During the summer, grab your rafts, tubes and kids and head to the Boise River. This leisurely six-mile float takes two to three hours. It’s got rope swings, minor rapids and is a blast for adults and kids alike. Put in at Barber Park and take out at Ann Morrison Park. You can rent tubes and rafts at Barber Park, and a continuous shuttle service is available to take you to and from your car. Learn more about rafting in and around Boise here.

Bogus Basin

Famous for skiing in winter, Bogus Basin is also known for its family-friendly activities offered the rest of the year. Visitors love the mountain coaster, scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking, bungee trampoline, climbing wall, hiking, horseback riding and more.

Eagle Island State Park

Just outside of Boise, this public recreation area covers 545 acres and is surrounded by north and south channels of the Boise River. It has a large swimming beach, playground, ziplines, water slide, equestrian trails and picnic areas. Bring your canoes, kayaks and SUPs (stand-up paddleboards). Or rent a SUP while you’re there.

Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise Started in 1916, this open-air zoo has over 300 animals from 100 various species. It’s located in Julia Davis Park along the Boise River Greenbelt and has zebras, giraffes, otters, sloth bears, penguins and native Idahoan animals. It’s one of the best Boise attractions for kids. You can buy food in the park or bring your own picnic lunch.

Museums

Boise Art Museum – For the past 70 years, this family-friendly museum has enchanted visitors with vibrant, thought-provoking exhibits. It features an airy sculpture garden and 15 galleries.

Idaho State Museum – The museum’s interactive exhibits about the history of Idaho are designed for all ages. Find out how Idaho’s diverse landscape shapes the lives of Idahoans.

Discovery Center

Discovery Center – This interactive science museum has more than 40 hands-on exhibits and displays. Come learn why soap bubbles have iridescent colors, how machines and devices work, and much more.

Learn more about family-friendly activities in Boise here.